Al Ahli joined the top three teams in the Arabian Gulf League – Al Jazira, Al Wasl and Al Ain – in the winners’ enclosure to maintain fourth place in the table.
Ahmed Khalil sent a free kick from 30 yards crashing into the far corner of the net and Ismail Al Hammadi doubled their lead 13 minutes from time for a 2-0 result over Baniyas last night.
Baniyas were unlucky when Yousuf Jaber’s powerfully struck header off a corner from Felipe Bastos cannoned off the crossbar in the eighth minute.
The home side were in the game before a poor clearance from Fellipe Bastos left Al Hammadi unmarked in front of the goal with only the keeper to beat, which he did with ease to seal Ahli’s win.
Man of the match: Ahmed Khalil, Al Ahli
He eased the pressure with a stunning free kick that eventually set the platform for Ahli to return with three points.
What the managers said
• Cosmin Olaroiu, Ahli: "We got the result we wanted and I'm satisfied with the team's performance.
When asked if he was satisfied in the fourth position at the end of the first half of the league. He said: “We are not satisfied in the position we are in but because of the injury problems we have had we can be reasonably happy, though.
“We have a President’s Cup game coming up and a rescheduled league game against Al Ain, and after that we’ll reassess our squad. We know exactly what we require and we hope we can return as a stronger unit for the second half of the league.
• Jose Gomes, Baniyas: "We didn't deserve to lose on the night. We had a good early chance to take the lead but were unlucky. We made a few mistakes that allowed Ahli to score.
“However, we are continuing with our work and I want to reiterate I’m confident this team has the potential to do better.”
The National’s verdict
It was not one of their best performances but Ahli returned with a result to remain on the title path.
They take a break like all other teams, which allows them time to reassess their strengths and weaknesses and return for the second half of the league.
In other matches
• Al Jazira got back to winning ways by beating Al Dhafra 4-0 at the Hamdan bin Zayed Stadium. The result keeps Jazira tied at the top of the table on points with Al Wasl, who were 4-1 winners at home against Hatta.
The visitors went in front as Mbark Boussouffa’s in free kick was nodded home by Fares Juma. Ailton Almeida made it 2-0 with a curling right-footed finish.
Almeida turned provider after the break, crossing for Ahmed Alattas to control on his chest before smashing a strike past Ali Al Amir in the 49th minute. By the 68th minute it was 4-0 as Boussouffa curled a free kick of his own straight into the top corner to round off the victory.
• Al Ain were given a rough ride at Kalba as they required an injury-time winner from Ibrahim Diaky to see off their hosts with a last-gasp 2-1 win. The result maintains Al Ain’s unbeaten start to the season and gives them 26 points from 10 games.
Al Ain went ahead in the 42nd minute as Saeed Al Katheeri applied a header to Caio Lucas’ corner. Late into the second half, former Al Shabab and Al Ahli hitman Ciel thought he had snatched a point for the promoted side as he found Al Ain goalkeeper Khalid Eissa out of position and was able to slot into an empty net at 1-1.
Diaky came on in place of Amer Abdulrahman and he tucked away a finish from close range to grab all three points with a late winner.
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